Method of performing a cleaning operation with an autoclavable bucketless cleaning system

ABSTRACT

A method of performing a cleaning operation with an autoclavable bucketless cleaning system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a cleaning solution in an inside of an autoclavable vessel, the vessel having a first connection point and a second connection point disposed at an outside of the vessel, removably connecting an autoclavable outlet regulator assembly on the vessel at the first connection point so as to be in fluid communication with the inside of the vessel, removably connecting an autoclavable inlet regulator assembly on the vessel at the second connection point so as to be in fluid communication with the inside of the vessel, pressurizing the inside of the vessel via the inlet regulator assembly, dispensing cleaning solution from the inside of the vessel via the outlet regulator assembly to clean a designated area, removing any pressurized gas that remains inside the vessel after the designated area is cleaned, removing any cleaning solution that remains inside the vessel after the designated area is cleaned, and autoclaving each of the vessel, the outlet regulator assembly, and the inlet regulator assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 12/033,719, filed Feb. 2, 2008, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forthherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system for performingcleaning operations in cleanroom environments. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a washing system that is bucketless andcompletely autoclavable and has improved safety features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many industries require controlled environments that are free fromcontaminants, such as in surgical suites in hospitals, pharmaceuticaland biotechnology manufacturing facilities and laboratories, medicaldevice manufacturing facilities, and micro-electronics manufacturingfacilities. Such industries utilize cleanrooms to provide environmentsin which dust, small particles and other contaminants are reduced.Cleanrooms can function effectively only when every effort is taken tomaintain the level of control necessary to preclude contamination intheir controlled environments. Contamination most often is caused byworkers in the cleanroom and/or by items brought into the cleanroom. Theproblems associated with keeping these rooms clean have not been easilysolved.

Rigorous regulatory guidelines have been established, and continue to bedeveloped, utilizing a variety of inter-related methodologies foroperating cleanrooms in a manner best suited to exclude unwantedcontaminants from the controlled environment. In adhering to theseregulatory guidelines and assuring an acceptable environment in which tomanufacture certain products, industries must be able to address knowncontamination with a documented control, which requires a cleaningregime that has been proven effective. Maintaining a cleaning systemthat is meaningful, manageable and defendable, however, becomes complexin production areas based on a multitude of variables.

One such variable that determines the effectiveness of a cleaning systemis the ability to properly contact contaminants in a manner sufficientto neutralize or remove them. More specifically, a chemical agentcapable of destroying the cells of contaminants needs to saturate andpenetrate the cell walls over a specified contact time. Chemical agentsare applied using various techniques, including using a sprayer, a mop,and/or a fogger. Although sprayers, mops with buckets and foggers haveall been utilized in varying capacities and with varying success incleanroom applications, the more of these separate components that areintroduced into the controlled environment of a cleanroom, the greaterthe likelihood of introducing contaminants into the controlledenvironment.

Even when few components are introduced into a cleanroom, the likelihoodof introducing contaminants along with the components increases everytime a component must be removed and re-introduced into the controlledenvironment during the cleaning operation. For example, the use of a mopwith a bucket results in “dirty water” mopping, which may actuallycontribute to the spread of contaminants. The bucket, therefore, must beroutinely emptied and refilled. This not only increases the likelihoodof introducing contaminants into the cleanroom, it also increases thevolume of cleaning agents required to complete the cleaning operation.

In an attempt to address the above issues, at least one system has beendeveloped that includes a sprayer, a sponge mop and a fogger all in oneunit. This prior art system, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is offered byVeltek Associates, Inc. under the name CORE2CLEAN. The unit includes are-sealable pressure vessel 2 for storing cleaning solutions, such asdisinfectant, therein so as to protect the cleaning solution fromcontaminants when the unit is being used in a cleaning operation. Thevessel 2 can be un-sealed by removing a vessel lid 4, at which point acleaning solution may be placed in or removed from the vessel 2. Thevessel 2 is autoclavable inside and out in the un-sealed configuration.After cleaning solution is placed in the vessel 2, it can be sealed fromexternal contaminants by installing the vessel lid 4.

Cleaning solution can be dispensed from the sealed vessel 2 via thesprayer, sponge mop or fogger on an as-needed basis, thereby eliminatingcontamination due to the need to change dirty cleaning solutions duringcleanroom washing, which also reduces the total volume of cleaningsolution required to perform a cleaning operation. To provide theability to dispense a continuous flow of cleaning solution in this unit,however, the system is operated by compressed gas, such as compressedair. The use of compressed air in a pressure vessel 2 creates manypotential dangers arising from a potential sudden release of thepressure. Accordingly, safe operation of such a system requiresimplementation of various pressure regulating devices.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the prior art system includes a pressurevessel 2 having a vessel lid 4, a handle 6, a first connection point 8,and a second connection point 10. The vessel lid 4 can be removed toaccess the inside of the vessel 2 to add or remove contents, such ascleaning solutions. The vessel lid 4 maintains an airtight seal in thevessel 2 when installed. The handle 6 is used to facilitate removal andinstallation of the vessel lid 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the prior art system also includes a drainvalve 12, an outlet regulator assembly 14, and an inlet regulatorassembly 26. The drain valve 12 is located substantially at the bottomof the vessel 2 and is used to drain cleaning and rinsing solutions outof the vessel 2 when the vessel 2 is being cleaned. The outlet regulatorassembly 14 is installed at the first connection point 8 and is used todispense cleaning solution from the vessel using a cleaning applicator,such as a sprayer, sponge mop or fogger. The inlet regulator assembly 26is installed at the second connection point 10 and is used to charge thevessel 2 with air pressure. The outlet regulator assembly 14 and theinlet regulator assembly 26 are removable from the vessel 2 so thevessel 2 may be properly autoclaved.

The first connection point 8 includes a dip tube assembly 16 that is influid communication with the bottom of the vessel 2 so that cleaningsolution can be extracted therefrom. Because only the first connectionpoint 8 includes a dip tube assembly 16 for extracting fluids from thebottom of the vessel 2, the outlet regulator assembly 14 and the inletregulator assembly 26 cannot be interchangeably installed on the firstconnection point 8 and the second connection point 10. Accordingly, theoutlet regulator assembly 14 can only be installed at the firstconnection point 8. Further, both the first connection point 8 and thesecond connection point 10 include internal check-type valves that arein the closed position to prevent fluid communication between the insideof the vessel 2 and the outside of the vessel 2 when the outletregulator assembly 14 and the inlet regulator assembly 26 are notrespectively installed therein.

As used herein, the term “fluid communication” includes a path by whichliquids or gases may move between two or more structures. The term “gascommunication” includes a path by which gases, such as air or steam, maymove between two or more structures. Also herein, the terms “air” and“gas” are used interchangeably, unless otherwise apparent from thecontext.

The outlet regulator assembly 14 of the prior art system includes anoutlet connector 18, an inlet connector 20, an outlet manual controlvalve 22, and an outlet pressure gauge 24. When using the system todispense cleaning solution, cleaning applicators, such as a sprayer,sponge mop and fogger, are interchangeably connected to the outletregulator assembly 14 at the outlet connector 18. With the cleaningapplicator connected to the outlet regulator assembly 14, the outletregulator assembly 14 is then installed on the vessel 2 at the firstconnection point 8 via the inlet connector 20 of the outlet regulatorassembly 14. After the vessel 2 has been charged, a user may manuallyadjust the pressure with which the cleaning solution is dispensed fromthe vessel 2 by opening or closing the outlet manual control valve 22 asrequired until the desired pressure is observed on the outlet pressuregauge 24. Charging the vessel 2 is described in more detail below withreference to the inlet regulator assembly 26.

The inlet regulator assembly 26 of the prior art system includes anoutlet connector 28, an inlet connector 30, an inlet manual controlvalve 32, a relief valve 34, an inlet pressure gauge 36, and a manualpurge valve 38. To place a charge on the vessel 2, the inlet regulatorassembly 26 is installed on the vessel 2 at the second connection point10 via the outlet connector 28 of the inlet regulator assembly 26. Withthe inlet regulator assembly 26 installed on the vessel 2, a chargingdevice (not shown), such as a pressurized tank or line, is theninstalled at the inlet connector 30 of the inlet regulator assembly 26.The user must then open the inlet manual control valve 32 to allow airpressure in the charging device to be transferred into the vessel 2. Theuser must manually adjust the air pressure in the vessel 2 by opening orclosing the inlet manual control valve 32 as required until the desiredpressure is observed on the inlet pressure gauge 36.

If the pressure inside the vessel 2 reaches a predetermined value, suchas 100 psi, or greater at any point while the inlet regulator assembly26 is installed on the vessel 2, the relief valve 34 will release someof the air pressure to prevent the air pressure within the vessel 2 fromexceeding the predetermined value. Excess pressure can be released fromthe vessel 2 in this manner, however, only when the inlet regulatorassembly 26 is installed on the vessel 2. There are no means by which torelieve excess pressure from the vessel 2 when the inlet regulatorassembly 26 is not installed on the vessel 2.

The inlet regulator assembly 26 of the prior art system is also used topurge the vessel 2 of air to remove any pressure within the vessel 2.The vessel 2 may need to be purged, for example, before checking orservicing any part of the system, before loosening or removing thevessel lid 4, or after the user has concluded use of the system. Topurge the system, the inlet regulator assembly 26 must be installed onthe vessel 2 at the second connection point 10 via the outlet connector28 of the inlet regulator assembly 26. There is fluid communicationbetween the manual purge valve 38 and the vessel 2 whenever the inletregulator assembly 26 is installed on the vessel 2 at the secondconnection point 10. Accordingly, the prior art system may be purgedusing inlet manual control valve 32, the manual purge valve 38, or acombination thereof, but the inlet regulator assembly 26 must beinstalled on the vessel 2 at the second connection point 10.

To purge the prior art system while the charging device is installed atthe inlet connector 30 of the inlet regulator assembly 26, the inletmanual control valve 32 must be in the closed position so that air fromthe charging device is not continuously supplied to the vessel 2,thereby preventing proper purging. The inlet manual control valve 32includes an orifice that is in fluid communication with the outside ofthe vessel 2 when the inlet manual control valve 32 is closed.Accordingly, air may escape from the vessel 2 via the orifice when theinlet manual control valve 32 is closed, thereby purging the vessel 2.The vessel 2 is therefore purged by closing the inlet manual controlvalve 32 if the charging device is installed in the inlet regulatorassembly 26. The manual purge valve 38 may also be opened in thisconfiguration to allow air within the vessel to escape therethrough, themanual purge valve 38 thereby operating simultaneously with the orificeof the inlet manual control valve 32 to purge the vessel.

The prior art system, however, is more likely to be purged with thecharging device removed from the inlet connector 30 of the inletregulator assembly 26. To purge the vessel 2 with the charging deviceremoved from the inlet regulator assembly 26, the inlet manual controlvalve 32 may be in the open or closed position. The vessel 2 may bepurged by placing the inlet manual control valve 32 in the closedposition, thereby allowing air within the vessel 2 to escape through theorifice in the inlet manual control valve 32. The manual purge valve 38may also be opened in this configuration to allow air within the vesselto escape therethrough, the manual purge valve 38 thereby operatingsimultaneously with the orifice of the inlet manual control valve 32 topurge the vessel. The vessel may also be purged by placing the inletmanual control valve 32 in the open position. With the inlet manualcontrol valve 32 in the open position, air within the vessel 2 may notescape through the orifice in the inlet manual control valve 32.Accordingly, the manual purge valve 38 is opened to allow air to escapefrom the vessel 2 when the inlet manual control valve 32 is in the openposition, thereby purging the vessel 2.

Thus, a manual purge valve 38 and inlet pressure gauge 36 must bedisposed on the inlet regulator assembly 26 to purge the system.Accordingly, the inlet regulator assembly 26 must be installed on thevessel 2 of the prior art system to purge that system. This is not onlyan unnecessarily complicated configuration, it also poses certain safetyrisks.

Using the inlet manual control valve 32, the manual purge valve 38, or acombination thereof as described above, the subject valve(s) remain openuntil the user observes a pressure of zero (0) psi on the inlet pressuregauge 36 and can no longer hear air escaping the vessel 2. After thevessel 2 is purged, the inlet regulator assembly 26 is removed from thevessel 2 to allow the vessel 2 to be sterilized by a process such asautoclaving. Autoclaving includes utilizing high temperature steam in asterilization process.

To autoclave the vessel, the vessel lid 4 must be removed and the drainvalve 12 is opened to allow steam to pass through the vessel 2. Theoutlet regulator assembly 14 and the inlet regulator assembly 26 areremoved from the vessel 2 during autoclaving because they are notautoclavable. The outlet regulator assembly 14 and the inlet regulatorassembly 26 are not autoclavable because they are not configured toallow steam to pass therethrough and because their respective components18-24 and 28-38 are not designed to withstand the high temperaturesassociated with autoclaving. Thus, the outlet connector 18, inletconnector 20, outlet manual control valve 22, and outlet pressure gauge24 of the outlet regulator assembly 14 and the outlet connector 28,inlet connector 30, inlet manual control valve 32, relief valve 34,inlet pressure gauge 36, and manual purge valve 38 of the inletregulator assembly 26 are all not autoclavable. These components,therefore, can trap bacteria therein, which will adversely affect asubsequent cleaning operation using the system, thereby reducing thereliability and control of the system. Accordingly, there is a presentneed for a system for effectively washing cleanrooms in which all of thecomponents are autoclavable, and in which the steps of charging,operating, and purging the system are both simpler and safer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is a non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an autoclavable bucketless cleaning system thatincludes an autoclavable vessel with an inside for storing fluid underpressure and with a first connection point and a second connection pointdisposed at an outside of the vessel, an autoclavable outlet regulatorassembly for dispensing fluid from the vessel and removably connected tothe vessel at the first connection point so as to be in fluidcommunication with the inside of the vessel, and an autoclavable inletregulator assembly for pressurizing the vessel and removably connectedto the vessel at the second connection point to be in fluidcommunication with the inside of the vessel.

It is another non-limiting object of the present invention to provide amethod of performing a cleaning operation with an autoclavablebucketless cleaning system that includes placing a cleaning solution inan inside of an autoclavable vessel where the vessel includes a firstconnection point and a second connection point disposed at an outside ofthe vessel, removably connecting an autoclavable outlet regulatorassembly on the vessel at the first connection point so the outletregulator assembly is in fluid communication with the inside of thevessel, removably connecting an autoclavable inlet regulator assembly onthe vessel at the second connection point so the inlet regulatorassembly is in fluid communication with the inside of the vessel,pressurizing the inside of the vessel via the inlet regulator assembly,dispensing cleaning solution from the inside of the vessel via theoutlet regulator assembly to clean a designated area, removing anypressurized gas that remains inside the vessel after the designated areais cleaned, removing any cleaning solution that remains inside thevessel after the designated area is cleaned, and autoclaving each of thevessel, the outlet regulator assembly, and the inlet regulator assembly.

These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of theintended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent whenreference is made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a top view illustrating a pressure vessel of a prior artbucketless cleanroom washing system.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the prior art bucketless cleanroom washingsystem illustrated in FIG. 1, including an inlet regulator assembly andan outlet regulator assembly.

FIG. 3 shows a top view illustrating a pressure vessel in accordancewith a non-limiting embodiment of the bucketless cleanroom washingsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bucketless cleanroom washing systemillustrated in FIG. 3, including an inlet regulator assembly and anoutlet regulator assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Many non-limiting aspects of the present invention can be betterunderstood with reference to the following figures. The components inthe figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, in describingthe non-limiting aspects of the present invention illustrated in thefigures, specific terminology is resorted to for the sake of clarity.Each specific term, however, is meant to include all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similarpurpose. The present invention, therefore, is not limited to thespecific terms so selected.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 3 shows a top view illustrating anon-limiting embodiment of the autoclavable bucketless cleanroom washingsystem 100 of the present invention. The system 100 includes are-sealable pressure vessel 102 having a vessel lid 104, a handle 106, arelief valve 108, a manual purge valve 110, a vessel pressure gauge 112,a first connection point 114, and a second connection point 116. Thevessel lid 104 can be removed to access the inside of the vessel 102 toadd or remove contents, such as cleaning solutions. The vessel lid 104maintains an airtight seal in the vessel 102 when installed. The handle106 is used to facilitate removal and installation of the vessel lid104. The relief valve 108 automatically opens to relieve pressure fromthe vessel 102 when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined value,for example 90 psi. The manual purge valve 110 is used to purge thevessel 102 of pressurized gas to remove any pressure inside the vessel102. The vessel may need to be purged, for example, before checking orservicing any part of the system, before loosening or removing thevessel lid 104, or after the user has concluded use of the system. Thevessel pressure gauge 112 allows a user to observe the pressure withinthe vessel 102 at all times.

The vessel lid 104 includes a handle 106 disposed thereon for removingand installing the vessel lid 104 on the vessel 102. The vessel lid 104is sealably installed at the top of the vessel 102 with edges at theperimeter of the vessel lid 104 engaging corresponding edges in anopening at the top of the vessel 102 so as to create an airtightenclosure within the vessel 102 when installed. The airtight sealcreated by installing the vessel lid 104 in the vessel 102 allows fluidsto be stored inside the vessel 102 and placed under pressure. The vessellid 104 may be removed so that fluids can be placed in the vessel 102through the opening at the top of the vessel 102. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the vessel 102 is ASME rated to atleast 90 psi when sealed.

The relief valve 108 remains closed until the pressure inside the vessel102 exceeds a predetermined value, at which point the valveautomatically opens to allow pressurized gas inside the vessel 102 toescape until the pressure inside the vessel 102 is at or below thepredetermined value. The relief valve 108 is connectably disposed in thetop of the vessel 102 and is in direct gas communication with the insidethereof. The relief valve 108 is normally in the closed position so thatthere is not gas communication between the inside of the vessel 102 andthe outside of the vessel 102 via the relief valve 108. When thepressure within the vessel 102 exceeds the predetermined value, therelief valve 108 will open to allow gas communication between the insideof the vessel 102 and the outside of the vessel 102. The relief valve108 may be preset to open at any pressure value above the pressure valuethat the vessel 102 is rated to safely contain, such as 90 psi. Therelief valve 108 may also include an exhaust tube connected thereto fordirecting any gas released from the relief valve 108 away from a user ofthe system 100.

The manual purge valve 110 is manually opened and closed. As illustratedin the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the manual purge valve 110 isdisposed at the top of the vessel 102 with a vessel pressure gauge 112connectably disposed between the manual purge valve 110 and the vessel102. The manual purge valve 110 and vessel pressure gauge 112 are in gascommunication with the inside of the vessel 102 and with each other. Inanother exemplary embodiment of the system 100, the manual purge valvemay be connectably disposed in the top of the vessel 102 at one locationso as to be in direct gas communication with the inside of the vessel102, and the vessel pressure gauge may be connectably disposed directlyin the top of the vessel 102 in another location so as to be in directgas communication with the inside of the vessel 102. The vessel pressuregauge 112 measures and displays the pressure within the vessel 102.

The manual purge valve 110 is normally in the closed position so thatthere is not gas communication between the inside of the vessel 102 andthe outside of the vessel 102 via the manual purge valve 110. Because itis disposed between the manual purge valve 110 and the vessel 102, thevessel pressure gauge 112 is in direct gas communication with the insideof the vessel 102 even when the manual purge valve 110 is in the closedposition. Thus, the vessel pressure gauge 112 continuously measures anddisplays the pressure within the vessel 102 regardless of whether themanual purge valve 110 is in the open or closed position and whether theoutlet regulator assembly 120 and/or the inlet regulator assembly 136are installed on the vessel 102. The manual purge valve 110 can beopened to reduce or remove pressure in the vessel 102, a processgenerally referred to as “purging” the vessel 102. The manual purgevalve 110 may also include an exhaust tube connected thereto fordirecting any gas being released from the manual valve 110 away from auser of the system 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the system 100 also includes a drain valve118, an outlet regulator assembly 120, and an inlet regulator assembly136. The drain valve 118 is located substantially at the bottom of thevessel 102 and is used to drain the vessel 102 when the vessel 102 iscleaned. The outlet regulator assembly 120 is installed at the firstconnection point 114 and is used to dispense cleaning solution from thevessel using a cleaning applicator, such as a sprayer 152, sponge mop154 or fogger (not shown). The inlet regulator assembly 136 is installedat the second connection point 116 and is used to charge the vessel 102with gas to a predetermined pressure value.

The first connection point 114 includes a dip tube assembly 122 that isin fluid communication with the bottom of the vessel 102 so thatcleaning solution can be extracted therefrom. Because only the firstconnection point 114 includes a dip tube assembly 122 for extractingfluids from the bottom of the vessel 102, the outlet regulator assembly120 and the inlet regulator assembly 136 may not be interchangeablyinstalled on the first connection point 114 and the second connectionpoint 116. Accordingly, the outlet regulator assembly 120 may only beinstalled at the first connection point 114. Further, both the firstconnection point 114 and the second connection point 116 includeinternal check-type valves that are in the closed position to preventfluid communication between the inside of the vessel 102 and the outsideof the vessel 102 when the outlet regulator assembly 120 and the inletregulator assembly 136 are not respectively installed therein. When theinlet connector 126 of the outlet regulator assembly 120 is installed atthe first connection point 114, the check-valve in the first connectionpoint 114 is opened so as to allow fluid communication between thevessel 102 and the outlet regulator assembly 120. When the outletconnector 140 of the inlet regulator assembly 136 is installed at thesecond connection point 116, the check-valve in the second connectionpoint 116 is opened so as to allow fluid communication between thevessel 102 and the inlet regulator assembly 136.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the firstconnection point 114 may be keyed to only receive the inlet connector126 of the outlet regulator assembly 120 to prevent mistakenlyinstalling the outlet regulator assembly 120 at the second connectionpoint 116 or installing the inlet regulator assembly 136 at the firstconnection point 114. Alternatively, the first connection point 114 andthe second connection point 116 may be of different sizes to preventmistakenly installing the outlet regulator assembly 120 at the secondconnection point 116 or installing the inlet regulator assembly 136 atthe first connection point 114.

The outlet regulator assembly 120 of the system 100 includes an outletconnector 124, an inlet connector 126, an outlet metering valve 128, anoutlet pressure gauge 130, an outlet autoclave stem 132, and a lanyard134. The outlet connector 124 is disposed at one end of the outletregulator assembly 120 and the inlet connector 126 is disposed at theother end of the outlet regulator assembly 120. The outlet meteringvalve 128 and the outlet pressure gauge 130 are positioned between theoutlet connector 124 and the inlet connector 126. The outlet meteringvalve 128 is positioned adjacent to the inlet connector 126 and theoutlet pressure gauge 130 is positioned between the outlet connector 124and the outlet metering valve 128. The outlet connector 124, inletconnector 126, outlet metering valve 128, and outlet pressure gauge 130are connectably joined so that each member of the outlet regulatorassembly 120 is in fluid communication with each other member. Theoutlet pressure gauge 130 measures and displays the pressure between theoutlet metering valve 128 and the outlet connector 124.

The outlet metering valve 128 is manually opened and closed using a flowcontrol element, e.g., a valve handle, such that each incrementaladjustment of the flow control element produces a substantiallyproportional change of the mass flow rate through the outlet meteringvalve 128. The outlet metering valve 128 of the present system 100differs from the outlet manual control valve 22 of the prior art systembecause it allows more accurate control of flow rates. The outletmetering valve 128 of the outlet regulator assembly 120 is opened toallow fluid communication between the outlet connector 124 and the inletconnector 126 and closed to prevent fluid communication between theoutlet connector 124 and the inlet connector 126, i.e., to stop cleaningsolution from being dispensed from the vessel 102 via the outletregulator assembly 120. The outlet metering valve 128 may be partiallyopened such that the amount of fluid communication between the outletconnector 124 and the inlet connector 126 corresponds to the amount theoutlet metering valve 128 is opened, with a larger opening correspondingto a larger amount of fluid communication.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 4, the outlet connector 124 ofthe outlet regulator assembly 120 is a female quick disconnect thatincludes an internal check-type valve configured to be in the closedposition when not connected to a corresponding male quick disconnect orautoclave stem. The inlet connector 126 of the outlet regulator assembly120 is a male quick disconnect that is configured to be open at alltimes. Accordingly, when a corresponding male quick disconnect orautoclave stem is not installed at the outlet connector 126, there is nofluid communication through the outlet regulator assembly 120 due to theclosed check-type valve in the outlet connector 124, i.e., fluid canenter the outlet regulator assembly 120 via the inlet connector 126 butit cannot exit the outlet regulator assembly 120 via the outletconnector 124, regardless of whether the outlet metering valve 128 isopened.

The outlet autoclave stem 132 mates with the outlet connector 124 of theoutlet regulator assembly 120 so as to open the check-type valve in theoutlet connector 124. This allows steam to pass through the outletregulator assembly 120 during autoclaving, i.e., into the inletconnector 126 and out of the outlet connector 124. The outlet autoclavestem 132 is attached to the outlet regulator assembly 120 with thelanyard 134 so that the outlet autoclave stem 132 is not misplaced fromthe outlet regulator assembly 120 when not in use.

The inlet regulator assembly 136 of the system 100 includes an inletconnector 138, an outlet connector 140, a regulator valve 142, an inletautoclave stem 144, and a lanyard 146. The inlet connector 138 isdisposed at one end of the inlet regulator assembly 136 and the outletconnector 140 is disposed at the other end of the inlet regulatorassembly 136. The regulator valve 142 is positioned between the inletconnector 138 and the outlet connector 140. The inlet connector 138,outlet connector 140, and regulator valve 142 are connectably joined sothat each member of the inlet regulator assembly 136 is in fluidcommunication with each other member.

The regulator valve 142 remains open until the pressure inside thevessel 102 reaches a predetermined value, at which point the valveautomatically closes to prevent more gas from entering the vessel 102,thereby preventing the pressure of the gas in the vessel 102 from risingto a dangerous value, i.e., above the pressure value that the vessel 102is rated to contain. The regulator valve 142 of the inlet regulatorassembly 136 is open to allow fluid communication between the inletconnector 138 and the outlet connector 140 until the pressure inside thevessel 102 reaches a predetermined value, at which point the regulatorvalve 142 will close to prevent fluid communication between the inletconnector 138 and the outlet connector 140. The regulator valve 142 ispreset to close at a pressure value at or below the pressure value thatthe vessel 102 is rated to safely contain. The regulator valve 142 isused to fill the vessel 102 with pressurized gas, such as pressurizedair. This process is generally referred to as “charging” the vessel 102.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 4, the inlet connector 138 of theinlet regulator assembly 136 is a female quick disconnect that includesan internal check-type valve configured to be in the closed positionwhen not connected to a corresponding male quick disconnect or autoclavestem. The outlet connector 140 of the inlet regulator assembly 136 is amale quick disconnect that is configured to be open at all times.Accordingly, when a corresponding male quick disconnect or autoclavestem is not installed at the inlet connector 138, there is no fluidcommunication through the inlet regulator assembly 136 due to the closedcheck-type valve in the inlet connector 138, i.e., fluid can enter theinlet regulator assembly 136 via the outlet connector 140 but it cannotexit the inlet regulator assembly 136 via the inlet connector 138,regardless of whether the regulator valve 142 is opened. The regulatorvalve 142 may also prevent fluid from exiting the inlet regulatorassembly 136 via the inlet connector 138 by being configured to functionas a directional-type valve in addition to functioning as a regulatorvalve, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the inlet regulatorassembly 142 only in a direction from the inlet connector 138 to theoutlet connector 140.

The inlet autoclave stem 144 mates with the inlet connector 138 of theinlet regulator assembly 136 so as to open the check-type valve in theinlet connector 138. The inlet autoclave stem 144 is connected at theinlet connector 138 to allow steam to pass through the inlet regulatorassembly 136 during autoclaving, i.e., into the inlet connector 138 andout of the outlet connector 140. The inlet autoclave stem 144 may beattached to the inlet regulator assembly 136 with the lanyard 146 sothat the inlet autoclave stem 144 is not misplaced from the inletregulator assembly 136 when not in use.

The above-described components of the system 100 may be utilizedtogether to perform a cleaning operation of a cleanroom. An exemplaryembodiment of a method in which the system 100 may be utilized in acleaning operation is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 3and 4. The method includes filling the vessel 102 with a cleaningsolution and sealing the vessel 102; connecting a cleaning applicator tothe outlet regulator assembly 120 and installing the outlet regulatorassembly 120 on the vessel 102; installing the inlet regulator 136 onthe vessel 102 and connecting a charging device to the inlet regulatorassembly 136; placing a charge on the vessel 102; dispensing thecleaning solution using the cleaning applicator; purging the vessel 102after dispensing the cleaning solution is completed; draining andrinsing the system; and autoclaving the entire system 100 after thevessel 102 has been purged. These functions and the order in which theyare performed are exemplary and non-limiting, but are chosen as apreferred method for safe and efficient operation of the system 100.

To fill the vessel 102 with cleaning solution, the vessel lid 104 isremoved using the handle 106. Before removing the vessel lid 104, ensurethe vessel 102 has been purged as discussed below using the manual purgevalve 110. A predetermined amount of cleaning fluid is then placedinside the vessel 102 via an opening in the top thereof. After cleaningsolution is placed in the vessel 102, the vessel lid 104 is sealablyinstalled in the vessel 102 so as to create an airtight chamber withinthe vessel 102 that includes the cleaning solution.

With the vessel 102 filled with cleaning solution, a cleaning applicatoris connected to the outlet regulator assembly 120 at the outletconnector 124. The cleaning applicator may be connected to the outletregulator assembly 120 using an extension piece 148, such as a highpressure coil hose assembly. The outlet autoclave stem 132 is notinstalled in the outlet connector 124 when the cleaning applicator isconnected to the outlet regulator assembly 120 because a connectioncannot be made with the outlet connector 124 when the outlet autoclavestem 132 is installed. With the cleaning applicator connected to theoutlet regulator assembly 120, the outlet regulator assembly 120 is theninstalled on the vessel 102 at the first connection point 114 via theinlet connector 126 of the outlet regulator assembly 120. With thevessel 102 sealed and the outlet regulator assembly 120 installed on thevessel 102, a charge may be placed on the vessel 102. A charge ispreferably not placed on the vessel 102 until after the outlet regulatorassembly 120 is installed on the vessel 102 because making the aboveconnections can be more difficult when the system is pressurized.

To place a charge on the vessel 102, the inlet regulator assembly 136 isinstalled on the vessel 102 at the second connection point 116 via theoutlet connector 140 of the inlet regulator assembly 136. With the inletregulator assembly 136 installed on the vessel 102, a charging device(not shown), such as a pressurized tank, is then connected to the inletconnector 138 of the inlet regulator assembly 136. The charging devicemay be connected to the inlet regulator assembly 136 using a charginghose 150, such as a high pressure coil hose assembly. The charging hose150 is connected to the inlet regulator assembly 136 only after theinlet regulator assembly 136 is installed in the vessel 102 because theconnection between the inlet regulator assembly 136 and the vessel 102can more difficult to make when there is pressure within the inletregulator assembly 136. The inlet autoclave stem 144 is not installed inthe inlet connector 138 when the charging hose 150 is connected to theinlet regulator assembly 136 because a connection cannot be made withthe inlet connector 138 when the inlet autoclave stem 144 is installed.When the charging hose 150 is installed in the inlet regulator assembly136, the vessel 102 will automatically receive a predetermined amount ofpressurized gas from the charging hose 150 until the pressure in thevessel 102 reaches a predetermined value, the predetermined value ofpressure corresponding to the pressure at which the regulator valve 142is set to close. Thus, a user just connects the charging hose 150 to theinlet regulator assembly 136 and the regulator valve 142 closes when thepressure inside the vessel 102 reaches the desired predeterminedpressure value. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theregulator valve 142 is set to close at 90 psi.

This is an improvement over the prior art system in which a user had touse an inlet manual control valve (see FIG. 2, element 30) to manuallyadjust the pressure placed in the vessel while observing the inletpressure gauge (see FIG. 2, element 34) until the desired pressure isobtained. In the present invention, the desired pressure placed in thevessel 102 is obtained automatically via the regulator valve 142,thereby simplifying the charging process. Accordingly, this makes thesystem 100 more efficient in a cleaning operation by eliminating a stepof manual adjustment. This also makes the system safer by allowing aregulator valve 142 to be set at a predetermined pressure that is at orbelow the pressure value that the vessel 102 is rated to safely containand to prevent overflow. Thus, the need for an inlet manual controlvalve 32 and an inlet pressure gauge 36 on the inlet regulator assembly26 as in the prior art system is eliminated.

If the regulator valve 142 malfunctions and does not close at thedesired pressure, or if a user of the system bypasses the inletregulator assembly 136 and tries to place a pressure in the vessel thatexceeds the pressure value that the vessel 102 is rated to safelycontain, the relief valve 108 disposed in the vessel 102 will openbefore the pressure reaches an unsafe value, thereby providing an extralevel of safety in the system. By having the relief valve 108 disposedin the vessel 102, a user is protected from charging the vessel 102 toan unsafe pressure if the user bypasses the inlet regulator assembly136. Also, a user is protected if the pressure inside the vessel 102rises to unsafe values due to other factors, such as extreme temperaturechanges, when the inlet regulator assembly 136 is not installed in thevessel 102. Thus, the relief valve 108 provides a direct and immediatesafety check on the pressure inside the vessel 102.

With a charge placed on the vessel 102, the cleaning solution can bedispensed from the vessel using the cleaning applicator that isconnected to the outlet regulator assembly 120. To dispense cleaningsolution using the cleaning applicator, the outlet metering valve 128 isopened until the desired dispensing pressure is obtained. Flow rate andparticle size of the cleaning solution dispensed from the system 100 areadjusted by opening or closing the outlet metering valve 128 as requireduntil the desired pressure is observed on the outlet pressure gauge 130.In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outlet meteringvalve 128 is adjustable between 0 (zero) and 60 psi.

The flow rate at which the cleaning solution is dispensed from thevessel 102 can be determined using a chart listing various flow ratesthat correspond to valve handle positions of the outlet metering valve128. The chart is based on the valve handle position and the pressuredrop across the outlet metering valve 128. The position of the valvehandle corresponds to the cross-sectional area of flow through theoutlet metering valve 128. The pressure drop across the valve ismeasured by subtracting the pressure observed on the outlet pressuregauge 130 from the pressure observed on the vessel pressure gauge 112.The outlet metering valve 128 allows a user of the system 100 toaccurately measure the volume of cleaning solution dispensed over aspecific duration of a cleaning operation. Specifically, by observingthe time that cleaning solution is dispensed with respect to the flowrate, the user may determine the volume of cleaning solution dispensedduring a cleaning operation. This allows the user to accurately andconveniently determine how much fluid to place in the vessel 102 basedon how long a cleaning operation is estimated to take.

The flow rate at which the cleaning solution is dispensed from thevessel 102 can also be determined using a chart listing the various flowrates produced based on the pressure with which fluid is dispensed andthe size of the orifice of the cleaning applicator attached to theoutlet regulator assembly 120. The pressure with which fluid isdispensed is observed on the outlet pressure gauge 130, and the orificesize may be predetermined or variable depending on the type of cleaningapplicator used. Accordingly, by changing orifice sizes on the cleaningapplicator and adjusting the pressure with which fluid is dispensed viathe outlet metering valve 128, the user may determine the volume ofcleaning solution dispensed during a cleaning operation. This allows theuser to more accurately and conveniently determine how much fluid toplace in the vessel 102 based on how long a cleaning operation isestimated to take.

The particle size at which the cleaning solution is dispensed from thevessel 102 can be determined using a chart listing the various particlesizes produced based on the pressure with which fluid is dispensed andthe size of the orifice of the cleaning applicator, for example asprayer 152 or a fogger. The dispensing pressure is observed on theoutlet pressure gauge 130. Accordingly, by varying orifice sizes on thesprayer 152 or fogger and adjusting pressure via the outlet meteringvalve 128, various particle sizes can be produced using the sprayer 152or fogger.

During a cleaning operation, cleaning applicators, such as a sprayer152, sponge mop 154 and/or fogger, may be used interchangeably. Theamount of cleaning solution dispensed can also be controlled using astandard trigger spray wand 156. The spray wand may be connected to theoutlet regulator assembly via an extension hose 148. The sprayer 152,sponge mop 154 or fogger may be interchangeably connected at the end ofthe extension hose 148 or the spray wand 156 via quick disconnectconnections. When a cleaning applicator is connected directly to theextension piece 148, the amount of cleaning solution dispensed iscontrolled by adjusting the outlet metering valve 128 as discussed abovewith respect to flow rates. The spray wand 156, however, adds an extraelement of control by allowing the user to dispense cleaning solution bysqueezing a trigger on the spray wand 156 and to stop the dispensing ofcleaning solution by releasing the trigger of the spray wand 156. Thisadded element of control over the amount of cleaning solution dispensedfurther increases the efficiency of the system 100.

When utilizing the sprayer 152 in a cleaning operation, the outletmetering valve 128 may be adjusted so that cleaning solution isdispensed at a desired pressure of 30 psi, as observed on the outletpressure gauge 130. When utilizing the sponge mop 154 in a cleaningoperation, the outlet metering valve 128 may be adjusted so thatcleaning solution is dispensed at a desired pressure of 25 psi, asobserved on the outlet pressure gauge 130. When using the fogger in acleaning operation, the cleaning solution may be dispensed with aparticle size between 5 and 50 microns.

Upon completion of the cleaning operation, pressure is manuallyrelieved, or purged, from the system 100. Pressure is purged from thevessel 102 via the manual purge valve 110 disposed on the vessel 102. Topurge the vessel 102, the manual purge valve 110 is opened and remainsopen until a pressure of 0 (zero) psi is observed on the vessel pressuregauge 112 and gas can no longer be heard escaping the vessel 102 throughthe manual purge valve 110. The vessel cannot be purged from the outletregulator assembly 120 because there is a dip tube assembly 122 attachedto the first connection point 114 that is in fluid communication withthe bottom of the vessel 102 such that purging the vessel 102 at thislocation would result in expelling cleaning solution that may remain inthe vessel 102. Because the manual purge valve 110 is at the top of thevessel 102, purging only releases gas. This step of purging the system100 should always be implemented before opening the vessel 102, beforechecking or servicing any part of the system, and before loosening orremoving the vessel lid 104.

In purging the system, pressure should also be purged from within theoutlet regulator assembly 120 and extension hose 148 via the spray wand156. To purge the outlet regulator assembly 120 and extension hose 148,the outlet metering valve 128 is closed and the trigger of the spraywand 156 is squeezed to relieve the pressure contained between the spraywand 156 and the outlet regulator assembly 120. This will also expel anycleaning solution remaining in the outlet regulator assembly 120,extension piece 148 and/or spray wand 156. Accordingly, purging shouldtake place outside of the cleanroom wherein the cleaning operation hasbeen completed.

This is an improvement over the prior art system in which the inletregulator assembly (see FIG. 2, element 26) had to be installed on thevessel (see FIG. 2, element 2) to purge the system. In the presentinvention, the vessel 102 can be purged without the inlet regulatorassembly 136 being installed. This not only simplifies the purgingprocess, but it makes the system 100 safer. For example, the vessel 102can be purged at any time because the manual purge valve 110 and vesselpressure gauge 112 are disposed directly on the vessel 102 rather thanon the inlet regulator assembly 136. This is of particular importancesince the vessel 102 should be purged whenever the vessel lid 104 is tobe removed. There may also be other circumstances in which the pressurewithin the vessel needs to be purged.

After the system 100 is purged, the vessel 102 may be rinsed. The vessel102 is rinsed by removing the vessel lid 104 and placing the appropriaterinsing solutions in the vessel 102. After the vessel is rinsed, thedrain valve 118 is opened to allow the rinsing solution to exit thevessel 102. The system 100 may also be charged and the rinsing solutiondispensed through the sprayer, sponge mop and/or fogger as describedabove to rinse those components as well.

After the system 100 is rinsed, all of the components of the system maybe autoclaved, including the vessel 102 and its integrated components,the entire outlet regulator assembly 120, the entire inlet regulatorassembly 136, the extension pieces 148 and 150, the sprayer 152, thesponge mop 154, the fogger, and the spray wand 156. The integratedcomponents of the vessel 102 include the vessel lid 104, the handle 106,the relief valve 108, the manual purge valve 110, the vessel pressuregauge 112, the first connection point 114, the second connection point116, and the drain valve 118. The “entire” autoclavable outlet regulatorassembly 120 includes the outlet connector 124, the inlet connector 126,the outlet metering valve 128, the outlet pressure gauge 130, the outletautoclave stem 132, and the lanyard 134. The “entire” autoclavable inletregulator assembly 136 includes the inlet connector 138, the outletconnector 140, the regulator valve 142, the inlet autoclave stem 144,and the lanyard 146. The outlet regulator assembly 120 and the inletregulator assembly 136 may be installed on the vessel 102 when thesystem 100 is autoclaved.

Prior to autoclaving the vessel 102 and vessel's integrated components104-118 with the entire outlet regulator assembly 120 and the entireinlet regulator assembly 136 installed on the vessel 102, the vessel lid104 is removed from the vessel 102 and the drain valve 118 is opened sothat steam may pass through the vessel 102 during autoclaving. Theoutlet autoclave stem 132 is installed at the outlet connector 124 ofthe outlet regulator assembly 120 to open the internal check-valve ofthe outlet connector 124 so that steam may pass through the outletregulator assembly 120 during autoclaving. The outlet metering valve 128is also opened. The inlet autoclave stem 144 is installed at the inletconnector 138 of the inlet regulator assembly 136 to open the internalcheck-valve of the inlet connector 138 so that steam may pass throughthe inlet regulator assembly 136 during autoclaving. The inlet regulatorvalve 142 is automatically opened when the vessel 102 is purged and willremain open during autoclaving. The vessel pressure gauge 112 may besprayed to saturation with a sterilizing compound, for example, Sterile70% USP Isopropyl Alcohol, prior to introducing it into the autoclave soas to further ensure sterilization thereof.

In another non-limiting exemplary method of autoclaving the system 100,the outlet regulator assembly 120 and the inlet regulator assembly 136may be removed from the vessel 102 and autoclaved separate from thevessel 102. To autoclave the vessel 102 and the outlet regulatorassembly 120 and the inlet regulator assembly 136 separately, autoclavestems (not shown) are installed in the first connection point 114 andthe second connection point 116 of the vessel 102 to open the internalcheck-valves therein so that steam may pass through the first connectionpoint 114 and the second connection point 116 during autoclaving.Autoclave stems 132 and 144 are also installed in the outlet regulatorassembly 120 and the inlet regulator assembly 136. In the exemplaryembodiment where autoclaving occurs with the outlet regulator assembly120 and the inlet regulator assembly 136 installed on the vessel 102,the internal check-valves of the first connection point 114 and thesecond connection point 116 are opened respectively by the inletconnector 126 of the outlet regulator assembly 120 and the outletconnector 140 of the inlet regulator assembly 136.

Thus, the entire system 100 may be autoclaved, including the vessel 102,the vessel's integrated components 104-118, the entire outlet regulatorassembly 120, the entire inlet regulator assembly 136, the extensionpieces 148 and 150, the sprayer 152, the sponge mop 154, the fogger, andthe spray wand 156. Autoclaving includes utilizing steam in asterilization process. Accordingly, the entire system 100 may be placedin an autoclaving device, such as a machine capable of achievingelevated temperatures and pressures, to sterilize all of the components102-156 of the system 100. The system may be autoclaved, for example, at121° C. for 35 minutes.

It is important that the entire system 100 be autoclavable. Anycomponents that are not autoclaved can trap bacteria, which canadversely effect any subsequent cleaning operation performed using thesame components. This reduces the reliability and control of the system.Accordingly, the system 100 of the present invention is reliable andprovides substantial control over contaminants by allowing all of thecomponents to be autoclaved.

In addition, each of the relief valve 108, the manual purge valve 110,the vessel pressure gauge 112, the outlet regulator assembly 120, andthe inlet regulator assembly 136 have separate and distinct benefitsthat contribute to the reliability and control of the present system100. Accordingly, each of these components can be used alone or in anycombination thereof to achieve the same or similar benefits.

The foregoing description and drawings should be considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention maybe configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to belimited by the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of theinvention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, itis not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosedor the exact construction and method of operation shown and described.Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of performing a cleaning operation withan autoclavable bucketless cleaning system, the method comprising:placing a cleaning solution in an inside of an autoclavable vessel, thevessel including a first connection point and a second connection pointdisposed at an outside of the vessel; removably connecting anautoclavable outlet regulator assembly on the vessel at the firstconnection point so the outlet regulator assembly is in fluidcommunication with the inside of the vessel, wherein the outletregulator assembly comprises a female outlet connector configured to bein a closed position when not connected to a male connector; removablyconnecting an autoclavable inlet regulator assembly on the vessel at thesecond connection point so the inlet regulator assembly is in fluidcommunication with the inside of the vessel, wherein the inlet regulatorassembly comprises a female inlet connector configured to be in a closedposition when not connected to a male connector; pressurizing the insideof the vessel via the inlet regulator assembly; dispensing cleaningsolution from the inside of the vessel via the outlet regulator assemblyto clean a designated area; removing any pressurized gas that remainsinside the vessel after the designated area is cleaned; removing anycleaning solution that remains inside the vessel after the designatedarea is cleaned; and autoclaving each of the vessel, the outletregulator assembly, and the inlet regulator assembly, wherein the stepof autoclaving includes removing a lid from the vessel and opening adrain valve at a bottom of the vessel so that steam may pass through thevessel, providing a first male autoclave stem in the outlet connector sothat steam may pass through the outlet regulator assembly, and providinga second male autoclave stem in the inlet regulator assembly so thatsteam may pass through the inlet regulator assembly.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the step of pressurizing the inside of the vesselincludes connecting a charging device to the inlet regulator assemblysuch that an autoclavable regulator valve in the inlet regulatorassembly automatically closes to prevent more pressure from entering thevessel when a pressure in the vessel reaches a predetermined value. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of dispensing cleaning solutionincludes opening an autoclavable metering valve in the outlet regulatorassembly by adjusting a flow control element such that each incrementaladjustment of the flow control element produces a substantiallyproportional change of the mass flow rate through the metering valve. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of dispensing cleaning solutionincludes interchangeably connecting an autoclavable sprayer, sponge mop,or fogger to the outlet regulator assembly for dispensing cleaningsolution therethrough.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofremoving any pressurized gas that remains inside the vessel includesopening an autoclavable purge valve that is attached at the outside ofthe vessel and in direct fluid communication with the inside of thevessel, and wherein the step of removing any pressurized gas thatremains inside the vessel is capable of being performed when the inletregulator assembly is not connected to the vessel.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the step of removing any pressurized gas that remainsinside the vessel includes leaving the autoclavable purge valve openuntil a pressure gauge disposed between and in fluid communication withthe purge valve and the vessel measures and displays zero (0) psi. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of removing any cleaningsolution that remains inside the vessel includes opening an autoclavabledrain valve that is disposed at the bottom of the vessel and in directfluid communication with the inside of the vessel.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the outlet regulator assembly remains installed at thefirst connection point of the vessel and the inlet regulator assemblyremains installed at the second connection point of the vessel duringautoclaving.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of autoclavingfurther includes, installing an autoclave stem in the first connectionpoint so that steam may pass through the first connection point;installing an autoclave stem in the second connection point so thatsteam may pass through the second connection point; wherein the outletregulator assembly is removed from the vessel and the inlet regulatorassembly is removed from the vessel during autoclaving.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the vessel includes a relief valve separate andapart from the inlet regulator assembly, the relief valve disposed atthe outside of the vessel and in direct fluid communication with theinside of the vessel, the relief valve configured to remain closed untila pressure inside the vessel exceeds a predetermined value, at whichpoint the relief valve is configured to automatically open until thepressure inside the vessel is at or below the predetermined value.